PREP FOOTBALL: Playoff matchups set

A year after nearly not winning a game, Lakewood Ranch is off to the playoffs.

The Mustangs (5-4, 2-1) clinched the final playoff spot out of Class 4A-District 11 with a 17-13 win on Friday at Palmetto and are off to the Region 3 football playoffs for the first time since 2006. They will visit Cape Coral, the champion out of District 12, when the playoffs begin Friday, Nov. 20.

Southeast (6-3, 4-0) wrapped up the Class 3A-District 10 title by beating Bayshore 34-27 after the Bruins erased the Noles’ 27-0 lead. The Noles host Lake Wales, the runner up from District 9.

Braden River (6-3, 3-1) clinched its second district berth in three full varsity seasons by beating Englewood Lemon Bay. The Pirates visit Winter Haven, the champion out of District 9.

Manatee and Out-of-Door Academy qualified for the playoffs last week, with the Hurricanes clinching the runner-up spot out of Class 5A-District 10 and the Thunder winning the Class 1B-District 6 title for the first time in team in history.

The Hurricanes visit St. Petersburg Gibbs and ODA will host St. Petersburg Admiral Farragut.

Braden River, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee and Southeast will play regional quarterfinals and the Thunder will compete in a regional semifinal.